Pain medicine speciality
Facial pain
Facial pain and neuralgia can be intense and distressing, but often respond to targeted care.
Treatments for facial pain
At Algarve Pain Centre in Vale do Lobo, Algarve, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for facial pain. Our multidisciplinary team of pain medicine physicians, spine surgeons, rehabilitation specialists and psychologists works together so that your plan is built from multiple expert perspectives, not just one.
Whether your pain is recent or long‑standing, we focus on understanding how it affects your daily life and long‑term goals. This helps us decide when simple measures are enough and when more advanced interventions are needed.
Facial pain overview
Facial pain can be complex and distressing. It may be related to nerve irritation, jaw and muscle tension, dental or sinus referral, or headache syndromes.
We focus on the quality and timing of pain—short electric-shock episodes versus persistent aching or burning—and whether there are triggers such as chewing, touch or cold air. This helps determine the most appropriate pathway.
Treatment may include medication optimisation for nerve pain, targeted procedures when indicated, and coordinated care with dental, ENT or neurology services when needed.
Contact usMost Common Syndromes
After excluding dental and sinus causes, neuropathic facial pain syndromes should be kept in mind.
Classically presents as brief, severe “electric shock” pain in the face, often triggered by touch, chewing, or cold air. Management focuses on confirming the diagnosis and optimising neuropathic pain treatment.
Treatment Approaches
Corticosteroids Injection
Corticosteroids medications are used to reduce pain and inflammation and can be taken oral or through an injection.
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Pharmacological Management
Pharmacological management pain is commonly part of the treatment and a wide range of drugs can be used to manage pain.
Learn moreComplex Facial Pain
Facial pain can be caused by numerous factors: nerve damage (for example after dental procedures), various pathologies (including TMJ disorders) or be derived from a previous surgery. Other times the origin can be myofascial, in the jaw and facial muscles. It is often a complex phenomenon, as it tends to involve problems related to sleep, stress and quality of life. This circumstance makes the treatment of facial pain very challenging.
For patients
Your plan is built collaboratively. We explain findings, discuss options and agree next steps that fit your goals.
Please bring medication lists and any imaging reports to appointments. Let us know your priorities so we can tailor care.
For clinicians
We welcome referrals and provide clear communication on assessment, working diagnosis and management plans.
Our approach integrates guideline-informed care and shared decision-making. Please contact us to discuss complex cases.